Entire home

Charming Cottage with Hot Tub, Fire Pit, & Wooded Backyard

Photo gallery for Charming Cottage with Hot Tub, Fire Pit, & Wooded Backyard

Sunroom
Property video
A room with a wooden floor, a large window with a view, a wooden door with glass panels, and a plant in a woven basket.
A wooden cabin with a balcony, surrounded by dense forest.
A bedroom with a bed, a ceiling fan, and a bedside lamp.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
Situated close to a museum, this vacation home features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, accommodating 6 guests. It includes 1 hot tub and a patio for outdoor relaxation. Families can enjoy nearby fishing, swimming, and skiing activities, while also exploring Phalen Beach and the Phalen 18 Hole Golf Course. The property is pet-friendly.

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Firepit available
    One of the few properties with a dedicated outdoor firepit.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Barbecue grill
  • Toys
  • Onsite parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Internet

Explore the area

View in a map
Saint Paul, MN
  • Place, Lake Phalen
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Phalen 18 Hole Golf Course
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Phalen Beach
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.)
    ‪19 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Twin Bunk Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Charming Cottage with Hot Tub, Fire Pit, & Wooded Backyard

Welcome to our home away from home!

This family friendly charming cottage is less than 10 minutes from downtown St. Paul. You can stay here and enjoy the wooded backyard with bonfires and relaxing in the hot tub, or spend a night in Minnesota's capital city enjoying amazing restaurants, concerts, or any of the many festivals going on in the cities. We are off of the Gateway Trail, and many bike paths that lead all the way through the Twin Cities and to many of the Lakes nearby.

The space: This private residence has kept all its historic charm and it is truly a treasure to be in the middle of Saint Paul and have a large wooded backyard.

Some conveniences you’ll enjoy:

-A quaint kitchen stocked with cooking supplies
- Dedicated desk and workspace
- Well thought I was sleeping accommodations
- A wooded backyard for kids to play an explorer
- A hot tub
- A fan operated fire pit that keeps your fire going and the smoke out of your eyes!
- outdoor deck with outdoor dining and egg chair
- A magical tree fort for children five and older (all children must be supervised by adults in the tree fort).
- Charming lights everywhere that make the home so cozy!

Guest access:
The full home and yard is available to guest. You will enter at the front door with a personal code.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the trash
Turn off the lights
Please put all used sheets and towels in the laundry basket upstairs or in the basement.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Please be respectful of our neighbors and keep the noise down by 10 PM

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number ATCP-011656
Property # 3848116
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the neighborhood

St. Paul

Located in Payne - Phalen, a neighborhood in St. Paul, this vacation home is near a water park. Grand Casino Arena and The Armory are cultural highlights, and some of the area's popular attractions include Minnesota State Fairgrounds and Nickelodeon Universe. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at U.S. Bank Stadium or Target Center. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, or check out other outdoor activities such as sledding and ice skating.
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Map
Saint Paul, MN

What's nearby

  • Lake Phalen - 4 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Phalen 18 Hole Golf Course - 4 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Phalen Beach - 5 min drive - 2.5 km
  • U.S. Bank Stadium - 17 min drive - 22.1 km
  • Mall of America - 20 min drive - 26.9 km

Getting around

  • Robert Street Station - 5 min drive
  • Saint Paul Union Depot - 10 min drive
  • St. Paul, MN (STP-St. Paul Downtown) - 11 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wendy's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Arcade Bar - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Crooked Pint - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Brunson's Pub - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Juche St Paul - ‬14 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming Cottage with Hot Tub, Fire Pit, & Wooded Backyard pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Charming Cottage with Hot Tub, Fire Pit, & Wooded Backyard?

As of Sep 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming Cottage with Hot Tub, Fire Pit, & Wooded Backyard on Sep 29, 2026 start from $346, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Charming Cottage with Hot Tub, Fire Pit, & Wooded Backyard?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming Cottage with Hot Tub, Fire Pit, & Wooded Backyard?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Charming Cottage with Hot Tub, Fire Pit, & Wooded Backyard located?

This family-friendly St. Paul vacation home is located in Payne - Phalen, within 3 mi (5 km) of Mississippi River, St. Paul Skyway, and Minnesota Children's Museum. Fitzgerald Theater is 3.1 mi (5 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 34 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 39 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A great place to stay for our small family!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 27, 2026
Thanks Amber, we are happy you and your family like it! We would love to host you again 😁
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Accommodations were very nice. Home was clean. Home well stocked. Location was convenient.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 23, 2026
Thanks Susan, I am happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay. We would love to host you again!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good location for everything St. Paul
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 13, 2026
Thanks Jim, we enjoyed hosting you!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything you need and very homey.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What an amazing property! We had a great stay. This house feels like a home - such a treat!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 31, 2026
Thanks, Terra. I am so happy you loved it and felt right at home. We loved hosting you and hope you will be able to come again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay; the host was friendly and answered all questions. The house felt like a home and not a rental. It's pretty central to Target Field and the Mall of America. Overall, we had a great stay and recommend this listing.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 27, 2026
Thanks Stephaine, we enjoyed getting to host you all and hope you come again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute little older house. I liked the added small touches like the welcome sign, and the microwave popcorn available. Great/comfortable beds and adequate room for the 5 of us. The only call out would be the neighborhood, which seemed a little run down, but overall a nice stay.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 31, 2026
Thank you so much for your review, Brynn! I’m so glad you enjoyed your stay and noticed all the little touches. We absolutely love hosting and want our guests to feel comfortable and at home! And yes, we are definitely in St. Paul Central, where neighborhoods can feel very pocket-to-pocket. I actually lived in the house for seven years and always felt very safe there and knew all our neighbors well, but I know what you are saying because some places can look sketchy in the city. Thanks for staying with us, and we would love to host you again if you are ever back in the area. Thank you again for staying with us! ❤️
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Two couples in town for the fair. Very charming home. The host thought of everything we could have needed for our visit and was very responsive to any questions we had. We especially loved the fire pit! Lots of stairs, so probably not a good fit if you have mobility issues. We highly recommend this house!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 31, 2026
We loved hosting you, Becky, and thanks for taking the time to write us a wonderful review! I am glad you loved the fire pit area; that was a dream space I built out when I lived there and loved it. Please come again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a cozy inviting older home with lots of personality in a pretty good location. We would happily stay here again. The kids found plenty to do to keep them busy while we were at the house.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 11, 2026
I am so happy to hear that you all loved it, and we would love to host you again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a great rental. A hosts!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 21, 2026
Thanks, Steven! I am happy to hear you enjoyed yourself, and we would love to host you again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at Heidi's. She's thought of everything! The cottage really felt like a home away from home for my family with anything we might need for our stay. Our favorite spot was the screened porch on the upper floor overlooking the yard -- so peaceful and relaxing! Highly recommend this property to anyone traveling to the Twin Cities.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was excellent and tons of amenities. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 28, 2025
Thank you, Anthony! We would love to host you again, anytime.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host was super welcoming! Everything we needed was available.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 23, 2025
Krysta, thank you so much for staying with us! I’m so glad you felt welcomed and had everything you needed for a comfortable stay. We’d love to host you again anytime—thank you for choosing to stay with us!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place, great host. Will definitely be reserving again the next time we have a concert to see in Minneapolis.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 19, 2025
Thank you, Greg. We would absolutely love to host you again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heidi created the most welcoming environment for us to stay in! Her home is so intentionally and thoughtfully curated. 10/10 recommend, will be telling everyone I know to stay here.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 23, 2025
Maggie, thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means a lot to hear that you felt welcomed and cared for during your stay. I’m so glad the space felt intentional and comfortable for you—that’s exactly what I hope guests experience. Thank you for the recommendation and for spreading the word. You’re welcome back anytime! 💛
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful experience at this Vrbo rental. The place was clean, very cozy, and extremely comfortable—exactly what we needed for a relaxing stay. The location was perfect, close to everything yet peaceful and quiet. Highly recommend and would definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 28, 2025
Hi Judy, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so glad to hear you found the place cozy, comfortable, and peaceful—the perfect setting for your relaxing stay. We’d be delighted to welcome you back anytime. Warmly, Heidi
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House was very comfortable and had everything we needed for our stay! The kids said it felt like home. Thank you so much!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 23, 2025
Rebecca, thank you so much for staying with us! I’m especially glad to hear the kids felt at home—that’s the highest compliment. 😊 I’m so happy the house had everything you needed for a comfortable stay. You’re welcome back anytime, and we’d love to host your family again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is a charming home in a quiet neighborhood. We enjoyed the screened in porch immensely.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 24, 2025
Thank you, Jodi! I love hearing that you enjoyed your stay, and especially the porch. That is one of my favorite spots as well. - Heidi
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Cottage, very nice location.

Perfect for a weekend getaway with the family, the house is equipped with everything you would need.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 25, 2024
We are so glad you enjoyed it, Betty!
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Location

Beautiful interior

The home was very well decorated, and had lovely amenities.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 20, 2025
Thanks! I am so happy to hear that you loved it and the design.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute place with everything you would need. Super clean check in process easy. A littke bump with communication but dealt with ok
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute house with nice hot tub!

Had a girls weekend here and enjoyed the hot tub and fire pit! Loved the decor in the house very cute
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on May 13, 2025
I'm so happy you loved it Maggie, we would love to host you again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice getaway

The place is great, and the hot tub is a plus. It’s close to great food locations too.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 28, 2024
Thanks for staying with us Moses, we are glad you enjoyed the hot tub and would love to host you again the next time you are in the cities!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Clean house and plenty of amenities to do like the firepit, basketball, hot tub, big dining room table for hanging out.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 21, 2025
Hi Carter, thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you enjoyed the house and had fun using all of the things. It makes us happy to know you had a great stay. We’d love to welcome you back anytime!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The hot tub was AMAZING! Perfectly clear water and the temperature can go up to 104. The house itself was a hidden gem. The decor made us feel right at home. There is any appliance you could possibly need, along with plenty of basics for your stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Nov 23, 2025
Thank you, Kelly, I am so glad you loved your stay and felt right at home! Please come and stay again anytime you are in the Twin Cities.

About the host

Hosted by Heidi

Host profile image
I grew up in small-town Minnesota, traveled worldwide, and landed back here at this charming cottage in the heart of St. Paul.

I am an adventure guide, life coach, and then I get to host these amazing properties!

I love hosting because I love creating experiences for people, I want each listing to make you feel like you are truly hosted and taken care of during your stay. I love helping guests cultivate a wonderful experience during their stay.

Why they chose this property

This Charming Cottage is in the heart of the Twin Cities and yet feels like you are almost tucked in the woods. I love how close everything is and the fun you can have just relaxing in the backyard.

What makes this property unique

This home has kept all of its original charm from the 1930s and it has a wonderful backyard with a hot tub, fire pit, basketball net, woods, and a magical tree fort.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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